IT was a night when Glasgow's Community Champions took centre stage.

Hosted by Clyde 1's Diane Knox-Campbell, best known as DJ Knoxy, the grand final of this year's Evening Times Community Champion Awards took place in the City Chambers in front of an audience of 400 invited guests.

Family, friends and work colleagues joined representatives from Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Glasgow Housing Association and the Evening Times.

Throughout the celebrations, the events of the helicopter crash at the Clutha bar last week were never far from hearts and minds.

Lord Provost, Councillor Sadie Docherty, summed it up when she said: "Our thoughts are very much with the friends and family of loved ones involved in the tragedy."

Video by Frederik Subei.

Hampden Primary School scooped the Young Award, presented by Chief Superintendent Andy Bates of Police Scotland. He said it was a time to reflect on those who had lost their lives last week at the Clutha bar, but also to celebrate the spirit of the city.

The school looks after children with complex learning needs and the staff and pupils have made it their mission to clean up their local South Side area for the benefit of all. For the past two years the school has undertaken a litter-picking campaign which has transformed the entrance of the school and nearby paths.

It was an extra special night for Peter Walker, chairman of the school's Parents' Association. Earlier in the day he had been in Edinburgh to collect an award from St John Ambulance on behalf of his wife Charliene, who passed away 18 months ago and donated her organs after her death.

Cook 'n' Care won the Team Award, presented by Evening Times editor Tony Carlin, for the hot home-made meals delivered by their army of volunteers to more than 600 homes and 100 lunch clubs in the north of the city every week.

Bill Logan, centre manager of Cook 'n' Care said: "It's great for the staff and 54 volunteers to get recognition for all their efforts."

Fozya Mahmood was presented by Tony Carlin with the Individual Award. She joined Action on Hearing Loss Scotland in 2006 as a young deaf person taking part in an Employment, Training and Skills Service project which enabled her to further her education. She has recently become a volunteer mentor to other deaf people, carrying out sessions at City of Glasgow College.

"It has been a nerve-wracking experience tonight," smiled Fozya.

North winners, Young Peoples Futures, won the Public Service Award, presented by Bailie Aileen Colleran, chairwoman of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership. The group was set up to offer children and young people activities which promote positive lifestyles, health and wellbeing, confidence building and personal development skills in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Senior Award went to Greta Riddell, of West & Central, and was presented by George McGrandles, area manager of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Before handing over the award he said: "I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all of those involved in the operation at the Clutha bar, especially the true first responders - the people of Glasgow, who displayed the true spirit of the city by going to help."

Greta, 78, has campaigned on road safety issues since 1969, when seven children were knocked down in Great Western Road. She still works tirelessly to campaign for local improvements by working closely with police and city councillors.

Constable Dario D'Andrea was winner of the Uniform Service Award, presented by Gordon Sloan, chairman of Glasgow Housing Association, for his work with minority groups. A community policing officer for the past 10 years, he offers support and helps them integrate into community life. His positive relationships with resident asylum seekers and refugees has improved trust in the police and his efforts in his own time have given minority groups greater confidence in dealing with officers.

"It was a real surprise," said a jubilant Dario of his win. "Just to be mentioned was fantastic."

The Health and Wellbeing Award went to Help Yourself Grow Experience, from West & Central. The group has created an opportunity for people with learning disabilities to grow in confidence, underpinned by the principles of healthy living. Gardening and cooking skills have been developed while building positive relationships and integrating with the local community. They are working towards the Caledonian Award from the Royal Horticultural Society.

"It is very well deserved for all the volunteers," said the project's Jean Gavin.

Lord Provost, Councillor Sadie Docherty made the penultimate presentation, the Sport Award, to Glenda Strang, from East.

Glenda has been the driving force behind Eastbank Netball Club for the past 25 years, the only netball club in the East End of Glasgow. Over the years she has coached hundreds of children and women to reach their potential.

The final award was the Lord Provost's Award for Community Service, given to the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice for excellence in community service.

The hospice's trust and legacy fundraiser, Katy O'Donnell said: "We're really honoured."

To finish the night in style, the audience heard from local singing talent Stephen McLaughlin, from South East.

'I'm not just in good company, I'm in far better company...' - Read what our winners had to say about the awards

angela.mcmanus@ eveningtimes.co.uk